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What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of the polynomial 35a^3b^2 - 14a^2b^3?

A. 7a^2b^2
B. 21ab^2
C. 14ab^2
D. 35a^2b

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The GCF of the polynomial 35a^3b^2 - 14a^2b^3 is the highest powers of the common factors in both terms, which is 7a^2b^2, corresponding to option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The greatest common factor (GCF) of the polynomial 35a3b2 - 14a2b3 can be found by identifying the highest powers of the common factors in both terms.

We look for the greatest coefficient and the highest powers of a and b that can divide both terms of the polynomial without leaving a remainder.

Both terms have factors of 7, a, and b.

The coefficient 7 divides both 35 and 14.

The smallest power of a that appears in both terms is a2, and the smallest power of b is b2.

Therefore, the GCF is 7a2b2.

This corresponds to option A.

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